What is the purpose of chemical coagulation in water treatment?

Chemical coagulation is an essential process in water treatment primarily aimed at destabilizing contaminants so that they can be more easily removed from the water. In this process, coagulants, such as aluminum sulfate or ferric chloride, are added to the water. These chemicals cause small particles — that are typically suspended and difficult to remove — to clump together into larger aggregates known as flocs.

The creation of these flocs facilitates their subsequent removal through sedimentation and filtration. This effectiveness in aggregating and settling out particulates makes chemical coagulation a critical step in the overall treatment process, ensuring that the water is cleaner and safer for consumption.

While enhancing taste, killing pathogens, and adding minerals play roles in water treatment, they do not specifically capture the primary function of chemical coagulation, which targets the removal of particulate matter from the water.